Maddy summaryThe FASD Respect Act (S.1800) establishes a new federal program within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It directly affects individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers by requiring HHS to fund research, improve diagnostic standards, and build state and tribal capacity for prevention and support services. Key provisions include creating FASD Centers for Excellence to develop culturally appropriate screening tools, train medical and social service professionals, and maintain national resource directories for FASD care. The bill mandates HHS to report on progress within four years and authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to support these efforts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Center of Excellence focused on advanced materials and safety in aviation, directly affecting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), universities, aircraft manufacturers, and airlines. It updates the Center's mandate to prioritize applied research on safe composite materials in aircraft structures, crash worthiness, passenger safety, and accessible air travel for people with disabilities - including wheelchair restraint systems - starting March 1, 2023. The Center must collaborate with industry stakeholders to advance technologies like carbon fiber and additive manufacturing, while setting safety criteria for all passengers. The bill authorizes up to $20 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to fund these activities.
Maddy summarySRES 222 is a Senate resolution expressing Congress's approval for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) from Vietnam, held in 2023. It recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifices of these POWs during the Vietnam War, including their experiences of brutal captivity, torture, and forced labor while held by North Vietnam and its allies. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of honor from Congress. It was introduced by Senators Carper and Moran and passed by the Senate on May 18, 2023, to commemorate the POWs' resilience and patriotism.
Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.
Maddy summaryThe Main Street Tax Certainty Act permanently extends the 20% tax deduction for qualified business income (QBI), which currently applies to owners of pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. The bill achieves this by amending the tax code to remove an expiration date (via striking subsection (i) of Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code). This change directly affects small business owners who rely on the QBI deduction to reduce their taxable income. The key provision eliminates uncertainty about the deduction’s future, ensuring continued eligibility without requiring future legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to fund training for law enforcement officers on interacting with people with disabilities and older adults with cognitive impairments. Nonprofit disability organizations will receive grants to develop training programs requiring at least 8 hours of mandatory training for new officers (including 4 hours of interactive learning with covered individuals) and 4 hours of annual refresher training for existing officers. The training covers communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, identifying disabilities, and community resources, with a requirement that covered individuals serve as instructors. Funded at $100 million annually through 2026, the program aims to reduce violent encounters based on findings that people with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime and disproportionately affected by police violence.
Maddy summaryS.1682, the Housing Supply Expansion Act, updates wage determination rules for federal housing projects to streamline processes. It simplifies how prevailing wages are calculated by allowing geographic groupings beyond local areas (Section 2), limits projects to one wage rate based on residential character (Section 3), and creates a working group to review modernizing Davis-Bacon Act requirements (Section 4). The bill directly affects housing developers, contractors, and labor organizations participating in federal housing programs like FHA projects, Native American housing, and public housing (Sections 5-9). Key changes include requiring the Secretary of Labor to improve survey participation and data collection methods for wage determinations, and directing a working group to recommend potential waivers for affordable housing construction. The bill does not directly increase housing supply but aims to reduce administrative barriers in wage rules affecting housing development.
Maddy summaryThe HELP Act of 2023 allocates federal funding to strengthen 211 information and referral services and 988 mental health crisis services nationwide. It requires states to coordinate these services to ensure 24/7 availability, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and reduce inappropriate 911 calls by connecting individuals with human services instead of law enforcement. The bill authorizes $550 million annually for 2024-2025 (split between 211 and 988 services) and $450 million annually for 2026-2030, with states required to establish oversight bodies to monitor service quality and racial equity. States must use funds to expand access to mental health and human services, particularly in underserved communities, while tracking how many 911 calls are diverted to appropriate services.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program to increase annual funding from $10 million to $15 million for fiscal years 2024-2028, expanding support for farmers and ranchers facing mental health challenges. It adds crisis lines to the program's services and creates new referral pathways to connect individuals with certified community clinics, rural health centers, and other approved healthcare providers. The changes directly affect agricultural workers and their families by improving access to behavioral health counseling and wellness support. Key provisions include updated funding levels and expanded partnerships with specific healthcare facilities to ensure comprehensive mental health care.
Maddy summarySRES 215 is a Senate resolution designating May 9, 2023, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. It supports raising public awareness about the dangers of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills, which are often disguised as legitimate medications and contribute to overdose deaths. The resolution encourages existing law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit pill distribution and acknowledges the severe impact of fentanyl on young people, citing statistics on rising overdose deaths. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the issue through congressional support.